Digital twin for the integration of the automatic transport and manufacturing processes

Abstract

Abstract Simulation techniques for time calculation in industrial transport are not currently deterministic. This supposes a time uncertainty in production planning with economic implications. The digitization promoted by Industry 4.0 allows the automation of transport in manufacturing processes. In this way, the Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) performance can be simulated to obtain more accurate results. The definition of a virtual simulation environment through digital twins is an incipient area of research in this field. Digital twins achieve this purpose without intervening in the physical world thus minimising costs. In order to facilitate the use of digital twins, in this paper, we implement a web-based simulation service to improve the user experience. The user will be able to pose hypotheses and visualise the execution in real-time. The techniques implemented for the simulations are based on Robot Operating System (ROS) within the Gazebo environment, IIoT communications require the Node-network programming environment which is in charge of the hyperconnectivity and the creation of the user interface.